The Academy of Art University has a campus in San Francisco (founded in 1929) but offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in its online game design program. The program focuses largely on 3-D technology, which is key in today's ever-advancing gaming world. Some of the companies that have hired Academy of Art graduates include LucasArts, Play Station/Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Electronic Arts.
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94105-3410
800-544-2787
academyart.edu
Westwood College's Game Art program places great emphasis placed on art and animation, both of which are key components in the game design process. Founded in 1953 in Denver, Colo., Westwood College has several campuses across six states in addition to their online programs.
Westwood College
2000 S. Colorado Blvd.
Tower 2, Suite 800
Denver, CO 80222
800-281-2978
westwood.edu
In addition to having campuses across the United States, DeVry University offers many online degrees. Among them is a bachelor's degree in Game and Simulation Programming, which teaches students computer coding languages, visual design principles and software used in game production. If a career in game design doesn't work out, graduates can use this knowledge to go into other fields such as crime scene reconstruction and designing corporate training software.
DeVry University
3005 Highland Parkway
Downers Grove, IL 60515-5683
800-231-0497
devry.edu
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh's online division offers a Game Art and Design bachelor's degree that prepare students for entry level positions in the game design field. The program teaches game programming but largely concentrates on the artistic portion of game design. According to the school's website, possible career opportunities include game-play tester, 2-D conceptual artist, 3-D character builder, 3-D object modeler, interactivity designer and background artist.
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Online Divison
1400 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 1522
877-872-8869
aionline.edu
Full Sail University's online program offers a bachelor's degree in Game Design, teaching students game mechanics, level design, game testing and more. The school also offers a bachelor's degree in Game Art, which focuses less on the programming and coding of games and more on the art and visual aspects. Some of its graduates have gone on to work on well-known video games such as Guitar Hero: On Tour and Call of Duty: World at War.
Full Sail University
3300 University Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32792
888-993-7338
online.fullsail.edu